Several hundred forklift accidents are sadly reported within Canada every year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, suffice to say, though, it is certainly amongst the most vital parts. Obviously, the right approach to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and company involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the System of Active Stability or SAS, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This system is very essential for helping decrease the possibility of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. Both the Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect many things that result in possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this situation occurs, the forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an immediate stability and really reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
When the machinery detects instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help reduce the chance of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function is similar in operation to the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect many things which result in potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really lessens the possibilities of spilling unsecured loads or having the forklift tilt backwards.